US launches fresh strikes across southern Iran as conflict intensifies
US forces have launched another wave of airstrikes across southern Iran, targeting multiple locations as the military confrontation between Washington and Tehran continues to intensify.
According to reports, the latest attacks hit several cities in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan Province, including Ramshir, where an asphalt plant was reportedly struck. Explosions were also heard near Ahvaz and in the key port city of Mahshahr, raising concerns over further escalation in the region.
Additional explosions were reported in Sirik, a city in Hormozgan Province located near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes. The area has become increasingly sensitive as tensions continue to grow across the Gulf.
Authorities in Bushehr Province confirmed that an overnight strike targeted an electricity substation near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The attack caused power outages in parts of the city for several hours, although there were no immediate reports of damage to the nuclear facility itself.
Reports also indicated that US missiles struck areas near the passenger terminal in Shalamcheh, close to Iran's border with Iraq. Local officials said the attack targeted infrastructure in the border region.
Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that, under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, American forces had expanded operations against Iranian military targets. The command said the objective is to reduce Iran's ability to threaten civilian and commercial shipping in regional waterways.
The conflict has now entered its 12th consecutive day. Reports indicate that 53 civilians, including three children, have been killed in recent US strikes inside Iran, while four American soldiers have reportedly died in Iranian retaliatory attacks. The casualty figures and battlefield claims from both sides have not been independently verified.